Attorney Biography

Charlie Given joined our firm in 2005 and was named Partner in 2013. Charlie attended college at Indiana University where he obtained a degree in Finance. He graduated law school from the University of San Diego School of Law and has been licensed to practice law in California since 2003 and Illinois since 2005.

Charlie has dedicated his legal practice solely toward representing injured workers in all aspects of their claims before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission with great success. In the years between 2009 and 2023, Charlie was able to generate settlements and awards for his clients totaling more than $70,000,000.00. Charlie consistently generates some of the largest settlements and awards at the Commission.

Charlie has successfully tried cases at the IWCC, Circuit Court and Appellate Court. He has never lost a case at the Appellate Court level.

In 2012, Charlie was nominated by his peers as an Illinois Rising Star in the area of Workers Compensation. This honor is bestowed upon only 2.5% of all Illinois attorneys who are under the age of 40 or who have been practicing less than 10 years. Charlie was named an Emerging Lawyer in 2015, 2016 and 2017 and 2019 by Leading Lawyers. This honor is bestowed on less than 2% of all lawyers licensed to practice law and recognizes lawyers who have proven themselves professionally and ethically.

Charlie lives with his wife, Becca, and their two children in Naperville.

Contact Charlie via email at cgiven@krol-law.com or by telephone at (312) 726-5567.

 

Some of Charlie’s Significant Awards and Settlements:

Awards

17 WC 30064 – Wage differential award for a 44-year-old Sanitation Laborer. I initially tried this case to have right hip and right knee surgery awarded under Section 19b/8a of the Act. The Arbitrator awarded the same and the IWCC affirmed the Decision. After completing his medical treatment, Petitioner had permanent restrictions which the City of Chicago was able to accommodate. The Arbitrator awarded Petitioner weekly wage differential benefits of $557.33 through the age of 67. The expected payout of this award is over $500,000.00.

16 WC 25455 – Wage differential award for a 41-year-old Sanitation Laborer. I initially tried this case to have cervical spine surgery awarded under Section 19b/8a of the Act. The Arbitrator awarded the same and the Decision was not Reviewed. He underwent the surgery and was rendered with permanent work restrictions that prevented his return to work in a full duty capacity. The Arbitrator found Petitioner was entitled to a wage differential award that will pay $792.40 per week through the age of 67. The total expected payout is over $940,000.00.

16 WC 10846 – City of Chicago claim – Wage differential award for a 56 year old Sanitation Laborer through Local 1001. Petitioner injured her shoulder throwing a piece of wood into the back of a truck. She underwent shoulder surgery and was rendered with permanent restrictions that prevented a return to work for the Respondent. The Arbitrator found our vocational counselor credible and agreed Petitioner was capable of earning $14.00 per hour. The Commission affirmed the Decision and awarded Petitioner weekly wage differential benefits of $592.40 through the age of 67. The expected payout of this award is over $340,000.00.

16 WC 3091 – City of Chicago claim – Wage differential award for a 44-year-old Sanitation Laborer. I initially tried this case to have hip surgery awarded under Section 19b/8a of the Act. The Arbitrator awarded the same and the Decision was not Reviewed. He underwent the surgery and was rendered with permanent work restrictions that prevented his return to work in a full duty capacity. The Arbitrator found Petitioner was entitled to a wage differential award that will pay $944.42 per week through the age of 67. The total expected payout is over $830,000.00.

15 WC 4503 – City of Chicago claim – Wage differential award for 50 year old Bricklayer. Petitioner injured his shoulder while lifting heavy tools at work. He underwent a shoulder surgery and was rendered with permanent work restrictions that prevented his return to work in a full duty capacity for the City. The Arbitrator found Petitioner was entitled to a wage differential award that will pay $820.80 per week through the age of 67. The total expected payout is over $660,000.00.

13 WC 23859 – City of Chicago claim – Permanent total disability for a 59 year old Laborer who worked through Local Union 1092. Petitioner injured his lower back while lifting a 90 pound water tank. He underwent multiple lumbar spine surgeries and was rendered with permanent restrictions the City could not accommodate. The City hired a vocational counselor who testified Petitioner was capable of finding employment within his restrictions paying between minimum wage and $12.50 per hour. We hired a vocational counselor who found Petitioner was an “odd lot” permanent total disability. The Arbitrator found our vocational counselor more credible and awarded permanent total disability benefits of $964.24 per week for the remainder of Petitioner’s life. Based on his life expectancy, the expected payout of Petitioner’s award is over $1,000,000.00.

13 WC 20686 – This case was initially tried as an 8(a)/19(b) to have medical and TTD benefits awarded. Petitioner was alleging bilateral hand injuries related to a repetitive trauma. The insurance company hired a Section 12 medical examiner who said the conditions were not related to the work accident. We were awarded the medical treatment, TTD benefits totaling $37,705.13, penalties of $22,909.91 and attorney’s fees of $4,581.98. The Arbitrator’s Decision was affirmed by the IWCC. Petitioner underwent his surgeries and eventually settled his claim for an additional $120,000.00.

12 WC 12115 – City of Chicago claim – Permanent total disability award for a 57 year old Laborer. Petitioner was a member of Local 1001. Petitioner slipped and fell while working. He underwent shoulder and knee surgeries and was rendered with permanent work restrictions that prevented his return to work in a full duty capacity with the City. After taking numerous depositions and trying the case twice before the IWCC as an 8(a)/19(b) for medical treatment and TTD benefits, we were able to prove he was an “odd-lot” permanent total disability. Petitioner was awarded benefits of $847.31 per week for the remainder of his life. Based on his life expectancy, the total expected payout is over $837,000.00.

12 WC 12110 – City of Chicago claim – At the time of his accident, Petitioner was a 51 year old Motor Truck Driver. He suffered injuries to his lumbar spine when he slipped and fell while working. Petitioner underwent a lumbar fusion surgery and returned to work as a Motor Truck Driver. Petitioner was awarded 35% MAW for his injuries. The total payout of the award is $117,187.00.

11 WC 11081 – City of Chicago claim – Wage differential award for 57 year old Street Light Repairman. Petitioner was a member of Local Union 9. Petitioner slipped and fell on ice while working. He suffered injuries to his knee and bilateral shoulders, requiring surgeries. His injuries rendered him with permanent work restrictions that prevented a return to work in a full duty capacity. The Arbitrator found Petitioner was entitled to a wage differential award that will pay $930.39 per week for life. The total expected payout is over $900,000.00.

10 WC 22929 – Chicago Transit Authority claim – Permanent total disability award for a 53 year old Bus Driver. Petitioner’s bus was rear-ended causing injuries to her lumbar spine and right shoulder. She underwent shoulder surgery and was rendered with permanent work restrictions that prevented a return to work for the CTA. The Arbitrator found she was permanently and totally disabled and awarded weekly benefits of $677.88 for the remainder of her life. Based on her life expectancy, the expected payout of Petitioner’s award is over $1,050,000.00.

10 WC 14237 – City of Chicago claim – Permanent total disability award for a 41 year old Ward Clerk. Petitioner was a member of Local 1001. Petitioner slipped and fell while working causing injuries to her shoulder. She underwent multiple shoulder surgeries and treatment for complex regional pain syndrome. Petitioner was awarded benefits of $546.95 per week for the remainder of her life. Based on her life expectancy, the total expected payout is over $967,000.00.

08 WC 41073 – At the time of her accident, Petitioner was a 31 year old grocery store manager for Aldi. She injured her lower back while stocking produce. MRIs revealed a herniated disc and she was found to be a surgical candidate. Petitioner declined and did not undergo surgery. She was rendered with permanent work restrictions that prevented her return to work for Aldi. She found alternative employment at a lower rate of pay and the Arbitrator found she was entitled to a wage differential benefit of $601.56 per week, payable for the rest of her life. This case was appealed to the Appellate Court and eventually affirmed. The expected payout of Petitioner’s award is over $1,400,000.00.

07 WC 32858 – City of Chicago claim – Permanent total disability award for a 50 year old Programmer Analyst. He underwent multiple knee surgeries and was rendered with permanent work restrictions that prevented a return to work full duty for the City. The Arbitrator found Petitioner was permanently and totally disabled and awarded benefits of $915.85 per week for the remainder of his life. We had to try the case two times as an 8(a)/19(b) to secure TTD and medical benefits before obtaining the final permanency award. Based on his life expectancy, the total expected payout is over $857,000.00.

02 WC 66220 – City of Chicago claim – Permanent total disability award for a 50 year old Motor Truck Driver. Petitioner was a Teamster out of Local 700. Petitioner was involved in a motor vehicle accident while working. She underwent lumbar spine surgery and was rendered with permanent work restrictions that prevented her return to work in a full duty capacity for the City. We took depositions of multiple doctors and multiple vocational counselors before trying the case before the Arbitrator. Petitioner was found to be an “odd-lot” permanent total disability and was awarded benefits of $672.59 per week for the remainder of her life. The Decision was affirmed by the IWCC panel of Commissioners. Based on her life expectancy, the total expected payout is over $699,000.00.

Settlements

16 WC 33558 – $675,000.00 PLUS MSA of $391,692.00
20 WC3771 – Stanley Black and Decker – $ 585,000.00
11 WC 6580 – $481,041.60
13 WC 40881 – $462,500.00 PLUS MSA of $16,453.35
16 WC 33647 – $400,000.00
12 WC 25667 – $400,000.00 PLUS MSA of $54,414.98
16 WC 6492 – YRC Worldwide claim – $381,747.60 PLUS MSA of $23,669.07
12 WC 22133 – $375,000.00 PLUS MSA of $128,937.00
18 WC 26664 – $375,000.00 PLUS MSA of $162,922.00
19 WC 8386 – $350,000.00
09 WC 29224 – $350,000.00
16 WC 25884 – Central Grocers claim– $340,000.00
12 WC 9086 – $317,656.00
15 WC 5810 – $315,000.00
11 WC 35390 – XPO Logistics claim – $315,000.00 PLUS MSA of $394,839.00
15 WC 23893, 16 WC 1899 – $304,096.00 PLUS MSA of $12,904.00
16 WC 23838 – $300,000.00
06 WC 25956 – $300,000.00 PLUS MSA of $129,181.00
06 WC 19804 – $300,000.00 PLUS MSA of $524,354.00
15 WC 30958 – $300,000.00
13 WC 32528 – $290,988.91 PLUS MSA of $29,782.00
09 WC 152 – $290,000.00 PLUS MSA of $119,440.00
09 WC 32480 and 11 WC 45192 – YRC Worldwide claim – $272,000.00
16 WC 32783 – $270,000.00
19 WC 5191 – $250,000.00
18 WC 33639 – Republic Services claim – $250,000.00
14 WC 38108 – YRC Worldwide claim – $250,000.00
18 WC 5150 – YRC Worldwide claim – $245,000 PLUS MSA of $64,013.17
18 WC 15211 – YRC Worldwide claim – $245,000.00 PLUS MSA of $10,848.04
10 WC 11436 – YRC Worldwide claim – $245,000.00
16 WC 13941 – $240,000.00
13 WC 19939 and 14 WC 13358 – YRC Worldwide claim – $239,900.00
12 WC 42816 – Con-Way Freight claim – $235,000.00
14 WC 36029 – $231,719.29
19 WC 30908 – $230,000.00
15 WC 34184 – AT&T claim – $230,000.00
18 WC 1295 – $228,493.00 PLUS MSA of $8,493.40
16 WC 18315(6) – $225,000.00
16 WC 29211 – YRC Worldwide claim – $225,000.00
21 WC24162 – $ 225,000.00
15 WC 18556(7) – Con-Way Freight claim – $225,000.00
16 WC 22792(3) – XPO Logistics claim – $220,000.00
20 WC 23156 – $217,932.50
18 WC12168 – $215,000.00
15 WC 115884 – YRC Worldwide claim – $215,000.00
15 WC 115884 – YRC Worldwide claim – $215,000.00
19 WC 5405 – XPO Logistics claim – $215,000.00 plus MSA of $26,659.00
16 WC 32867 – $213,000.00 plus MSA of $17,747.39
16 WC7282 – XPO Logistics – $ 210,000.00
21 WC5725 – $200,000.00
21 WC 11903 – $200,000.00
21 WC 30329 – $200,000.00
21 WC 24693 – $200,000.00
20 WC 23620 – Republic Services – $ 200,000.00
21 WC 30329 – $200,000.00
18 WC 21766 – $199,000.00 plus MSA of $6,741.04
22 WC 33217 – $196,000.00
24 WC 5082 – $188,317.50 plus MSA of $20,717.00
14 WC 28967 – YRC Worldwide claim – $182,900.00
17 WC 14444 – Fed Ex claim – $175,000.00
18 WC 13665 – YRC Worldwide claim – $175,000.00
19 WC 22724 – $175,000.00 plus MSA of $9,731.36
09 WC 44760 – $175,000.00
20 WC 18315 – YRC Worldwide claim – $174,346.00 plus MSA of $18,066.00
20 WC 318 – $163,000.00
16 WC 10413 and 17 WC 7527 – $159,999.00
18 WC 753 – $159,721.13 PLUS MSA of $7,345.00
18 WC 29828 – $159,600.00
13 WC 40882 – AT&T claim – $154,326.99
17 WC 3742 – $150,000.00 PLUS MSA of $398,177.00
19 WC 11444 – United Continental Holdings claim – $150,724.00 PLUS MSA of $12,712.72
18 WC 35317 – United Continental Holdings claim – $150,000.00
13 WC 619 – YRC Worldwide claim – $149,900.00
20 WC9324 – $ 148,921.60
19 WC 29885 – $146,420.75
19 WC 11193 – XPO Logistics claim – $145,000.00 PLUS MSA of $22,708.00
18 WC 21780 YRC Worldwide Claim – $143,545.02
19 WC 12126 – $142,420.00
12 WC 1695 – Chicago Transit Authority claim – $139,156.00
21 WC 23907 – $139,000.00
15 WC 28952 – $137,000.00
19 WC23519 – $ 133,620.75
08 WC 36454 and 10 WC 45911 – Chicago Transit Authority claim – $132,944.00
21 WC 29085 – $131,000.00
21 WC29085 – XPO Logistics – $ 131,000.00
15 WC 42383 – $130,000.00 plus MSA of $16,744.00
13 WC 39366 – Central Grocers claim – $130,000.00
17 WC 36355 – $128,479.00
16 WC 25887 – $125,000.00
13 WC 14979 – $125,000.00
18 WC20551 – $125,000.00
16 WC 34920 – $122,900.00
20 WC 24114 – $120,642.00
13 WC 20686 – $120,000.00
14 WC 30505 – YRC Worldwide claim – $120,000.00
12 WC 4648 – $113,994.29
19 WC13778 – $ 111,020.00
21 WC32038 – $ 110,454.40
16 WC 32530 – $110,000.00
20 WC6234 – $ 110,000.00
21 WC 31263 – $107,840.40
22 WC 5981 – $107,500.00
17 WC 32521 – $106,587.25
18 WC 2120 – $105,600.00 PLUS MSA of $32,277.65
23 WC 18605 – $104,792.10
19 WC 25815 –$100,106.63
13 WC 6396 – $100,000.00
14 WC 12511 – $100,000.00
21 WC 17191 – $100,000.00 PLUS MSA of $16,616.00

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Krol, Bongiorno & Given provides legal services to residents in Chicago metropolitan area, including Cook County, DeKalb County, DuPage County, Grundy County, Kankakee County, Kane County, Kendall County, McHenry County, and Will County area.

 

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